THE appeal to build a specialist retirement village in Warrington has been officially launched.

Extracare Charitable Trust urged the town to back the £1.5 million initiative at a reception at the Daresbury Park Hotel last Thursday evening.

Lord Hoyle, the chairman of the fundraising committee, council chief executive Steven Broomhead and council leader John Gartside each gave the Ryfields Village project their backing. The launch was followed on Friday by an official sod-cutting ceremony on site at Rylands Recreation Ground, Gorsey Lane.

Pensioners who have already signed up for homes were joined by representatives from Warrington Borough Council, Grosvenor Housing Association and Extracare Charitable Trust, the project's three main partners.

Mayor Sheila Woodyatt made the first cut and told the assembled guests: "I'm delighted to be here at the start of what's going to be a wonderful project.

"I think it's going to be something good. We hope it will become the norm across the country as it will improve quality of life for our older citizens."

And David Campey, Extracare's fundraising director, says that support so far has been overwhelming.

"We need £1.5 million," he said. "We already have £52,000 in the bank from two north west charities and two smaller donations, and we have a whole range of promises, totalling £607,000, from local businesses, charities and organisations."

The Bradbury Foundation, a trust set up in the 1930s, has pledged one of the biggest amounts of cash £300,000 will be given once the development reaches the roofing stage.

If you would like to get involved, call Extracare on 02476 506011 or appeal manager Steven Bradbury on 01606 854751.

The village, which will be completed in 2002, will provide homes for more than 300 people in bungalows and flats. It will also include a restaurant and bar, village hall and shop, fitness studio, hairdressing salon and library.